Leeds Station to become high-speed transport hub

Plans for the redevelopment of Leeds Station into an integrated high-speed transport hub have been released today.

The report, released by the chair of HS2 Ltd, David Higgins, contains his recommended option for how to remodel the station to accommodate future high-speed rail as well as boosting through rail services in a single integrated hub.

The new station will enable seamless interchange between HS2 trains, the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail services, and local and regional trains. This will provide faster and better train journeys for the three million people that live or work in Leeds.

The recommendation replaces the original proposal of a new station for HS2, and includes detailed discussions about the station and how best to meet current and future needs. This includes seeing the station redeveloped as a single station “Yorkshire Hub” utilising a T-shape design. The existing east-west rail lines would be combined, with connecting new north-south lines to accommodate HS2 when it comes to the city.

A common concourse will be created, offering easy connections between classic rail and high-speed services under one roof and good pedestrian access to both the city centre to the north, and the regeneration area of South Bank. Its location in the South Bank should lead on to substantial economic growth and regeneration.

Sir David Higgins, Chair of HS2 Ltd, said: “Leeds Station is already the busiest station in the north of England, and also a major transport hub for the city, Yorkshire and the wider north of England as a whole.

“Given the physical constraints of the existing station, and the rising level of demand for services, coming up with a solution that meets all those needs has not been easy, but, thanks to the efforts of the council, the Leeds City Region and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as HS2 and Network Rail experts, we have reached a consensus.”

The redevelopment of Leeds Station will create 10,000 new jobs, business opportunities and regeneration. It will connect the major cities of Bradford, York, and Wakefield into the national high-speed network.

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